Battery Charge Protocol Inspection via Internal Resistance Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charge protocols for secondary batteries do not adequately consider factors like internal resistance and heat emission during fast charging, leading to potential degradation and reduced cycle life, especially when transitioning from monocell to large cells.

Innovation Solution

A charge protocol inspection apparatus and method that calculates internal resistance of battery cells and determines suitability based on this resistance, analyzing changes in resistance to guide optimal charging protocols without requiring multiple monocell electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If fast charging is implemented without considering internal resistance, then charging speed is improved, but battery degradation and heat emission increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the charge protocol inspection apparatus continuously monitors internal resistance changes during charging and adjusts the charge protocol accordingly. The apparatus determines suitability of charge protocols based on calculated internal resistance, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents degradation while maintaining fast charging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of internal resistance monitoring and uses it as a basis for determining charge protocol suitability. By calculating internal resistance at different stages and comparing it against reference values, the system dynamically adjusts charging parameters to optimize both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If three electrodes of monocell type are manufactured to derive charge protocol, then charge protocol identification is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge protocol identificationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a charge protocol inspection apparatus that copies or simulates the charging process through calculation and analysis rather than requiring physical manufacturing of three-electrode monocell samples. The apparatus calculates internal resistance based on voltage and current measurements during normal charging, deriving charge protocol characteristics without creating separate test specimens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manufacturing approach of creating three-electrode monocell samples with an electrical measurement and calculation system. Instead of physically manufacturing test electrodes and measuring them separately, the system uses voltage and current measurements during actual charging combined with internal resistance calculations to identify charge protocol characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If internal resistance calculation is implemented for each charge protocol, then charge protocol suitability determination is improved, but measurement and analysis time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge protocol suitability determinationVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs internal resistance calculations continuously during the charging process rather than requiring separate measurement steps. The apparatus calculates internal resistance using voltage and current data that are already being collected for normal charging operation, making the suitability determination a continuous process that occurs alongside regular charging without adding time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables determination of suitable charge protocols for large cells by analyzing internal resistance changes, extending battery life and optimizing charging efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a resistance calculating unit 120 that calculates an internal resistance of the battery cell during charge based on the information about the charge protocol and the OCV corresponding to the SoC of the battery cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4365610B1Charge protocol inspection apparatus and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4365610B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4365610B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4365610B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a charge protocol inspection apparatus including an information obtaining unit configured to obtain information about a charge protocol of a battery cell, an open circuit voltage (OCV) corresponding to a state of charge (SoC) of the battery cell, and a reference internal resistance of the battery cell, a resistance calculating unit configured to calculate an internal resistance of the battery cell during charge based on the information about the charge protocol and the OCV corresponding to the SoC of the battery cell, and a comparing unit configured to compare the reference internal resistance of the battery cell with the internal resistance of the battery cell during charge.